House Resolution 86

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THE MONTH OF MAY 2024 AS "EHELRS-DANLOS SYNDROME AND HYPERMOBILITY SPECTRUM DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH" WITHIN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND ENCOURAGING CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE IN ITS OBSERVANCE.

WHEREAS, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 heritable connective tissue disorders that together affect 1 in 5,000 people; and

WHEREAS, each type of EDS has its own set of symptoms, but some features are seen across all types of EDS, including joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and tissue fragility; and

WHEREAS, hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are connective tissue disorders that cause joint hypermobility, instability, injury and pain, as well as other symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal problems and autonomic dysfunction, which have been associated indicators of HSD; and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for any type of EDS or HSD, however, the conditions are managed by addressing an individual's symptoms; and

WHEREAS, EDS and HSD can cause a variety of symptoms in many different areas of the body, so people with these conditions often require multiple providers in different specialties to manage their care; and

WHEREAS, access to professionals who are knowledgeable about EDS and HSD is limited in the State of Mississippi, and this lack of awareness about EDS and HSD in the State of Mississippi and across the world provides a hinderance to the diagnosis, management and research of these conditions; and

WHEREAS, awareness about EDS and HSD by both medical professionals and the general public can help improve the lives of people living with EDS and HSD in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the month of May would be an appropriate month to designate as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness in evidence the House of Representatives' support of honoring those brave souls suffering from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby acknowledge the month of May 2024 as "Ehelrs-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month" within the State of Mississippi to encourage observation, awareness and opportunities for individuals with Ehelrs-Danlos Syndrome.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be furnished to the Ehlers-Danlos Society and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.